Savvy Consumer: Consumer Q&A

Sept. 8, 2006 — -- Once a month or so, I try to answer questions sent to my "Ask Elisabeth" mailbox. As always, I appreciate all who write in, and I've chosen to answer the questions that have the most universal appeal.

Question: In early 2005 I procrastinated and wound up not filing my IRS return for 2004. The same was going to happen for 2005, but I got an extension. I have most of the materials to give to my accountant to do the 2005 return. The IRS just sent a letter asking about my failure to file for 2004. Should I contact IRS myself regarding 2004 or let the accountant handle both years, seeing as he will probably get 2005 done before 2004? Also, what kind of penalties can I expect for 2004?
--AD, Palm Bay, Fla.

Answer: You're playing with fire, my friend. You never, ever want to do anything that attracts the IRS's attention. That's one way to get yourself audited. And when you're audited, you have to pay for accountants and attorneys to defend you, even if you're innocent. So, please, since you have a procrastination problem, hire the accountant to file for both years. I don't know what your penalties would be, but I bet the accountant's fee is less.

Q: We like to travel and have a Delta Skymiles American Express card on which we pay the full balance each month. But some places don't accept Amex. What Visa card would you recommend?
--EW: Sevierville, Tenn.

A: I'm a fellow traveler, so I applaud your efforts to get the most mileage (literally!) out of your credit cards. As a journalist, I can't recommend individual companies' products. But I can tell you that there are Visa cards out there with just as many perks and pluses as Amex cards. That was not always the case, but in the last couple of years both Visa and Mastercard have really enhanced their programs to compete. When you're shopping around, look for a card that awards you points you can use on multiple airlines. Some even have no blackout dates. Also be on the lookout for a card company that will let you buy miles for a small fee or will advance you the miles if you don't have quite enough for a trip you want to take. Bon Voyage!

Q: I purchased a stove recently. I also ordered accessories with it. When the stove was delivered, I found that the accessories did not fit. Two weeks later a factory rep came to the house and informed us that they did not make the accessories for the stove we ordered. We then asked the retailer to exchange the stove for one that would use the accessories we ordered. The retailer told us that we used the stove so it would not exchange it. If you cannot help with this problem, could you direct me to someone who can?
--AS, Glenside, Pa.

A:The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers mediates disputes about appliances. To contact them go to www.aham.org on the Web, or call 202-872-5955. If it turns out that your dispute is with the local store that sold you the stove, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and your county and state consumer protection offices. Again, make sure the company knows you are taking this step. Hopefully, it will respond by solving your problem to protect its reputation.